Radionuclide Therapy
Radionuclide therapy is a type of internal radiation therapy given by infusion or intravenous injection (IV) for certain cancers. Sometimes called radioisotope or radioisotope therapy, it uses radioactive medicines targeted to specific cancer cells. Targeting the cancer cells helps reduce potential side effects.
Taken by intravenous injection or infusion, radionuclide therapy is a systemic treatment, which means it flows through the bloodstream and affects the entire body. It kills specific primary cancer cells.
A unique feature of radionuclide therapy is it also kills any metastatic cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body without harming healthy tissue.
The University of Maryland Department of Radiation Oncology offers the following types of radionuclide therapy for certain metastatic prostate cancers at some locations:
- Radium-223, also known as Xofigo injections, is given by IV and targets prostate cancer that has spread to the bones
- Lutetium-177, also known as PLUVICTO, is given by IV or infusion and targets certain advanced metastatic prostate cancers
Radionuclide therapy dates to the early 1900s. Today, we use radionuclide therapy to treat cancers of the:
- Adrenal glands
- Bone (sarcoma)
- Breast
- Colon
- Lung
- Lymphatic system (lymphoma)
- Pancreas
- Prostate
- Thyroid
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment at UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, call 410-328-6080. Or, contact one of our other five radiation oncology locations in Central Maryland, Eastern Maryland and Prince George's County.
